EPIRB rules by state: when you need one, and registering it
A 406 MHz EPIRB sends a distress alert by satellite when your phone and radio can’t reach anyone. Each state decides when you must carry one; AMSA registers them for free.
Going more than 2 nm offshore? In NSW (open waters), Victoria (coastal waters) and Queensland (beyond smooth and partially smooth waters) you must carry a 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA. Western Australia requires a GPS EPIRB or a worn GPS PLB beyond 400 m from shore in unprotected waters, South Australia an EPIRB beyond 3 nm (5 nm inside the gulfs), Tasmania an EPIRB beyond sheltered waters, and the NT an EPIRB on open waters. Registration with AMSA is free.
EPIRBs are designed specifically to be used in the marine environment. In most states, EPIRBs are required for boats that travel more than two nautical miles from the coast.
AMSA, marine distress beacons · amsa.gov.au
State-by-state table
Our summary of each state’s rule, from the state’s own safety-equipment page; the state page has the full equipment list. The ACT has inland lakes only and no EPIRB rule in the sources we checked.
| State | Boats | Kayaks, PWC & paddle craft |
|---|---|---|
| New South WalesNSW | Open waters more than 2 nm from shore: a 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA (recommended within 2 nm) Source: nsw.gov.au | — |
| QueenslandQLD | Beyond smooth and partially smooth waters and more than 2 nm from land: a 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA Source: msq.qld.gov.au | PWC, kayaks and sail craft under 6 m may use a GPS, floating PLB worn by the operator instead |
| VictoriaVIC | Coastal waters more than 2 nm offshore: a 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA. On enclosed waters a GPS EPIRB, a PLB or a 25 W VHF can replace the flares Source: safetransport.vic.gov.au | — |
| Western AustraliaWA | Unprotected waters (more than 400 m from shore): a GPS-enabled EPIRB carried or a GPS-enabled PLB worn; non-GPS beacons must be upgraded by 1 Sep 2028 Source: transport.wa.gov.au | Paddle craft, kites and sailboards under 4.8 m more than 400 m from shore in unprotected waters: a GPS EPIRB carried or a GPS PLB worn |
| South AustraliaSA | More than 3 nm from shore (5 nm inside Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf): an EPIRB Source: marinesafety.sa.gov.au | Canoes and kayaks in unprotected waters: an EPIRB, unless in a group with a fully equipped vessel within 50 m |
| TasmaniaTAS | Coastal waters (beyond sheltered waters): an EPIRB, GPS preferred Source: mast.tas.gov.au | Kayaks, canoes and SUPs beyond sheltered waters: an EPIRB or PLB (shared carriage for groups of three within 50 m) |
| Northern TerritoryNT | Open waters (beyond the intermediate zone, which reaches 2 nm from the coast): a registered EPIRB Source: legislation.nt.gov.au | Kayaks, canoes, surf skis, sailboards and PWC are exempt from the equipment list |
Register your beacon with AMSA (free)
Every Australian beacon is registered with AMSA, not with your state. NSW: “You must also register your EPIRB with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).” Victoria: “Mandatory to register the beacon with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Registration is free and valid for two years.” Distress beacon and MMSI enquiries: AMSA, 1800 406 406.
EPIRB or PLB?
An EPIRB belongs to the boat; a PLB (personal locator beacon) is carried or worn by a person. Where a state requires an EPIRB, a PLB usually doesn’t count instead:
A PLB does not replace an EPIRB as a mandatory item of safety equipment.
Transport for NSW, essential safety equipment · nsw.gov.au
The exceptions are spelled out: in Queensland, lightweight craft (PWC, kayaks and sail craft under 6 m) may carry a GPS, floating PLB worn by the operator instead; in Western Australia a GPS PLB worn counts; in Tasmania kayaks, canoes and SUPs may carry an EPIRB or a PLB.
When to set it off
The most effective means of alerting SAR authorities is by two-way communication: mobile phone, radio, satellite phone. … If two-way communication is unavailable, activate your beacon.
AMSA, things to know before you go · amsa.gov.au
Maritime Safety Queensland: “An EPIRB or PLB should be used as a last resort. Keep it turned on until help arrives.”
Set it off by accident?
If you have accidentally activated your beacon call us immediately on 1800 641 792. There is no penalty for inadvertent beacon activation.
AMSA, marine distress beacons · amsa.gov.au
Where a phone app fits
VesselSOS is not a beacon: it has no satellite or EPIRB/PLB function, and it only works where your phone has coverage. It doesn’t replace the EPIRB your state requires.
VesselSOS on Australian waters
- Life in danger? Tap “Yes, life in danger” and the app dials Triple Zero (000). The screen shows your GPS position in words and a word-for-word script that starts “Police. Boat emergency, I’m on the water.”, then the waterway, the nearest town and the state.
- The rescue-centre list also has JRCC Australia (1800 641 792), the national maritime rescue line for offshore, as a second Call button, and a VHF Channel 16 MAYDAY text filled with your boat’s details for you to read on your own radio.
- A live link for family ashore (Plus, free during the beta): your position, speed, course and phone battery in any browser, no app needed on their end. You send it by text yourself.
What it doesn’t do: it doesn’t log you on with Marine Rescue or anyone else, and it isn’t connected to 000, Police, Marine Rescue or AMSA. Nobody is alerted automatically if you’re late: the return-time check only asks “Are you OK?” on your own phone. Marine rescue log-on services do follow up when you don’t log off, so log on with them as well. A phone doesn’t replace a marine radio, an EPIRB or PLB, or the safety gear your state requires.
iPhone only, in invite-only TestFlight beta. Not in the App Store yet, no Android. Australian support (000 routing) is in beta version 1.5 and later.
Quick answers
Is an EPIRB mandatory in Australia?
It depends on the state and how far out you go. NSW (open waters), Victoria (coastal waters) and Queensland (beyond smooth and partially smooth waters) require a 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA beyond 2 nm. Western Australia requires a GPS EPIRB or a worn GPS PLB in unprotected waters (beyond 400 m from shore), South Australia an EPIRB beyond 3 nm (5 nm inside Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf), Tasmania beyond sheltered waters, and the NT on open waters.
How much does it cost to register an EPIRB?
Nothing: registration with AMSA is free. In Victoria’s words, registration “is free and valid for two years”.
Can I carry a PLB instead of an EPIRB?
Not where an EPIRB is mandatory in NSW: “A PLB does not replace an EPIRB as a mandatory item of safety equipment.” Queensland lets lightweight craft (PWC, kayaks, sail craft under 6 m) use a GPS, floating PLB worn by the operator, and Western Australia accepts a worn GPS PLB.
What if I set off my EPIRB by accident?
Call JRCC Australia on 1800 641 792 straight away. AMSA: “There is no penalty for inadvertent beacon activation.”
Sources
- AMSA — marine distress beacons
- AMSA — beacon carriage by state
- Transport for NSW — essential safety equipment
- Maritime Safety Queensland — safety equipment
- Safe Transport Victoria — safety equipment
- WA DTMI — safety equipment changes
- SA Recreational Boating Safety Handbook
- MAST — safety equipment checklist
- NT Marine (General) Regulations 2013
Checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your state’s marine safety agency before you go.
This page summarises the rules for planning; it isn’t legal advice. Where this page and the official text differ, the official text wins. Spotted an error? Email support@vesselsos.com.